Laura Martinez and her husband Christian are parents of a 10-year-old son, Henry, and a 5-year-old daughter Claire. Laura's job as a nurse in a newborn nursery is the one thing that soothes and calms her. Joseph, Laura's reporter father, died from a tragic airplane accident returning from an assignment when Laura was only 10 and her brother Holden was 21. Their mother, Helen McIntyre, raised the children by herself, since Joseph was absent on assignment most of their lives together.

Helen was responsible for purchasing seaside property on which she and Joseph built their dream home, Sea Escape, to raise their family. Helen's love was the artistry of creating through her sewing. A devastating stroke incapacitates Helen and throws Laura into a multitude of roles in attempting to care for her mother, handle work, raise two children and care for her husband and home. In an attempt to bring her mother back, Laura begins to read love letters she found from her father to her mother. Returning to the past with each letter read unveils revelations involving the family's secrets and her mother's lies, which will change Laura's entire concept of their relationship.

SEA ESCAPE is an extremely touching and nostalgic work of art. I found it extremely gratifying as Laura comes to terms with her feelings and the true effect it has on her in understanding her mother, since Laura has always felt Helen's withdrawal. The story bounces back in time with each letter and reveals the special intricacies of this family. Expect a real enlightening surprise at the end. This was very interesting reading and requires a few Kleenex as you near the ending.